Modular Study

Introduction to the Modular Study

We know the demands of life – work, family, church commitments – they all take up time and energy. Sometimes it is just impossible to commit to studying full-time. However, time and time again we hear ‘but I still want to study theology!’

You can come to SBC and study individual classes without a commitment to a wider course of study. You are welcome to take as many classes per term as you want…or as few!

There are a variety of ways to access modular study. If you want the full student experience you can register as a modular student and have full access to the class, materials and take on the assessments to attract university credit (although stand-alone classes aren’t a qualifications in their own right but can form part of a course such as a Certificate in Divinity). You can study a module for a one-time rate of £500 with any subsequent modules raising to approximately the pro-rata cost of full-time study – presently £1000 per module (we do have a rate for retired learners that keeps the £500 for subsequent modules unless you are hoping to graduate with a qualifications).  If you would like to apply then please find out more about studying at the College and apply online here.

You can also audit a class – by this we mean fully participate in the class with access to the online library, the online learning environment (Moodle), and all class materials. However, you will not be registered for assessment /  credit and therefore qualifications. We recognise some learners want to the full learning experience but without the stress or need for assessments / qualifications. The cost is likewise £500 for a first-time module.  

Alternatively email the College on scottishbaptistcollege@uws.ac.uk

For the Love of Learning

At the College we’re lifelong learners and we want to encourage that wherever we can. So if you’d like to take a class for the love of learning you can participate in the classroom environment without committing to assessments. You get all the benefits of the classroom discussion without the pressure of assignments and with a reduction in the price of modular study (£240 per 12 week module). You won’t be registered as a student and so access to materials is more limited, but you’ll get the same classroom teaching as everyone else.

How is SBC as a place to study individual class? Is it easy to integrate into the College?

I found SBC a friendly place to be. Staff and students were very welcoming and I quickly felt part of the college, even though I was only in once a week. The fulltime students even let me walk to the library and have lunch with them!!

What are some of the modules you’ve studied and what did you get out of them?

I have studied modules on ‘Worship’, ‘Baptist Identity’ and ‘Creative Homiletics’ and enjoyed each of them. I found them practically helpful, allowing me to enhance skills and in some cases providing me with new skills; and also challenging, as we looked at different ideas and spent time discussing together in class, often challenging each other’s thoughts…but in a safe and respectful way while also having a good laugh at times in the relaxed, supportive atmosphere created in class by lecturers.

What are some of the challenges / highlights from modular study at SBC?

As I was working fulltime, the main challenge I experienced was managing the weekly reading and uploading my reflections to the online forum, though this was also a very beneficial exercise to both clarify my own thoughts and to allow my opinions to be challenged by the comments of classmates. The work load was never unreasonable and with a bit of discipline, was definitely manageable.

Highlights are tricky to choose – I really enjoyed the classes, the break for worship (which was so varied, as everyone took a turn), and pretty decent coffee with good quality banter and generally having a wee snap shot of SBC life…which I reckon is pretty good!

Ruth Kelso

Modular Studies

Classes run over a 15 week term (normally 12 classes with one or two reading weeks midterm and an assessment week at the end) and meet between 10am and 1:15pm. Classes are once weekly on either a Tuesday, Wednesday, or a Thursday (email the College about specific information for any given class).

  • Encountering the New Testament
  • Encountering the Old Testament
  • Christian Worship
  • Leadership
  • Living Justly in God’s World
  • Turning Points in Church History
  • The Practice of Pastoral Care
  • Preaching
  • Work-based Learning and Study Skills
  • Creative Mission in a Changing Culture
  • Baptist Perspectives on Being a Church

These classes are all entry-level classes but it is also possible to take other classes from our BD Degree course at a higher level with evidence of prior learning. Find out more about studying at the College here or apply online here.